slightly damaged

USAGE SUMMARY

"slightly damaged" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that has undergone some wear or deterioration but is still in relatively good condition. For example: "The car was slightly damaged but still in good working condition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The statue was slightly damaged.

The New York Times

The temple itself was only slightly damaged.

The Economist

The paper has been slightly damaged.

Cornell University

The home was only slightly damaged.

The New York Times - Sports

The mosque is only slightly damaged.

The New York Times - Magazine

Even the mosque has been slightly damaged.

The New York Times

It was slightly damaged, he added.

The New York Times

The bottle's top is slightly damaged.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Broadsword has been slightly damaged but she has no casualties.

The Guardian

While Johnson was not injured as a result of this incident, his eyeglasses were slightly damaged.

Harvard University

Jonathan Franzen is the slightly damaged child of Don DeLillo's peculiar relationship with American culture.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the condition of an item for sale, be precise about what "slightly damaged" means. For instance, specify "slightly scratched" or "minor dent" to manage expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly damaged" to describe items with significant issues. Be honest about the extent of the damage to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly damaged" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it has sustained a small degree of harm or imperfection. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

16%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly damaged" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an item with minor imperfections. As Ludwig underlines, it's frequently found in News & Media, Science and Academia. To avoid misleading descriptions, be as precise as possible about the nature of the damage. Using synonyms like ""a little damaged"" or specifying the type of damage (e.g., "faintly scratched") can enhance clarity and manage expectations. Remember, honesty is crucial when assessing damage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a little damaged

Specifies a small degree of damage, similar to "slightly damaged".

mildly damaged

Emphasizes the gentleness of the damage, similar to "slightly".

somewhat damaged

Indicates a moderate level of damage, a bit stronger than "slightly".

marginally impaired

Highlights the functionality being only minimally affected.

superficially harmed

Focuses on the damage being on the surface, implying it's not deep.

a touch broken

Informal way to express minimal damage or breakage.

lightly marred

Emphasizes the aesthetic imperfection rather than functional damage.

faintly scratched

Specifically describes a minor scratching imperfection.

a bit defective

Highlights a small functional flaw.

a shade imperfect

Emphasizes a minimal deviation from perfection.

FAQs

How can I use "slightly damaged" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly damaged" to describe an item that has a minor imperfection, such as, "The book was "slightly damaged", but the pages were intact."

What are some synonyms for "slightly damaged"?

Synonyms for "slightly damaged" include "a little damaged", "somewhat damaged", or "mildly damaged depending on the context".

Is it appropriate to use "slightly damaged" in formal writing?

Yes, "slightly damaged" is appropriate in formal writing when you need to accurately describe the condition of an item without exaggerating its flaws. However, consider using a more precise term if possible, such as "superficially harmed".

What's the difference between "slightly damaged" and "heavily damaged"?

"Slightly damaged" indicates minor imperfections or wear, while "heavily damaged" implies significant impairment or destruction. Choose the term that accurately reflects the extent of the damage.